The 2018 FIFA Club World Cup will once again join soccer’s best teams from each continent in its 15th edition. The United Arab Emirates will host this unique tournament, where every club has something to play for. Here is a look at the teams to watch for as they could take the World Cup home.
CD Guadalajara
Club Deportivo Guadalajara, better known as Chivas de Guadalajara, comes into the tournament representing CONCACAF. Chivas had a successful 2017 with Matias Almeyda as their manager. Alongside Almeyda, Chivas won their first league title since 2006 defeating Tigres. They defeated Toronto FC at the CONCACAF Champions League final early in the year to punch their way into the Club World Cup.
Things look very different for the Mexican team by the end of the year. Now managed by Jose Cardozo, they found themselves stuck at 11th place in the standings. They failed to qualify for the playoffs as they showed a lackluster brand of football for the most part of 2018. Despite their domestic struggles, Chivas has some fire power in their squad. Orbelin Pineda is a solid presence on midfield and Alan Pulido has a nice finishing touch. They are not favorites for the title, but they cannot be counted out yet.
Club Atletico River Plate
River Plate comes into the tournament representing South America and CONMEBOL. They did so in very unusual fashion as the Copa Libertadores final was postponed multiple times due to fan aggression towards their rivals Boca Juniors. The final was later played in Madrid. Given their recent continental success, they could keep their hot streak going by winning the World Cup.
Managed by Marcelo Gallardo, River has dashing speed moving down the field. They have a solid defense at the back and a solid goalkeeper in Franco Armani. The club known as Los Millonarios (The Millionaires) is lead offensively by forwards Lucas Pratto, Rafael Santos Borre and midfielder Bruno Zuculini.
Real Madrid
The thirteen-time Champions League winners qualified for the Club World Cup doing what they do best: winning European championships. Despite their previous success at the tournament, (winners of the 2014, 2016 and, 2017 editions of the tournament) things do not look as bright this time around for Madrid. Los Merengues had a terrible start to their season, where they were forced to fire coach Julien Lopetegui. He was replaced by then interim manager Santiago Solari.
Real Madrid looks like the strongest team on paper as their roster features players such as captain Sergio Ramos, Keylor Navas, Tony Kroos, Karim Benzema and Ballon d’ Or winner Luka Modric. They have also taken a chance in young promising players like Vinicius Jr. With star power like theirs, they are serious contenders to bring home the hardware again.
Where To Watch
The Club World Cup kicks off this Wednesday. Hosts Al-Ain FC will square off against New Zealand’s Wellington FC. Action kicks off at 10:25 AM E.T on FS2 and Universo.
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